In Accordance vs. In Accordance with

Attribute	In Accordance	In Accordance with
Definition	Agreement or harmony with a particular standard or norm	Agreement or harmony with a specific requirement or condition
Usage	Generally used to indicate compliance with a general principle or guideline	Specifically used to indicate compliance with a particular rule or regulation
Examples	Acting in accordance with company policies	Operating in accordance with local laws

Definition

When it comes to the English language, prepositions play a crucial role in determining the relationship between different elements in a sentence. Two commonly used prepositions that are often confused are "in accordance" and "in accordance with." While both phrases convey a sense of agreement or conformity, they are used in slightly different contexts.

Usage

The phrase "in accordance" is typically used to indicate that something is in agreement or harmony with something else. For example, "The decision was made in accordance with company policy." On the other hand, "in accordance with" is used to specify the particular rule, guideline, or standard that is being followed. For instance, "The project was completed in accordance with the client's specifications."

Structure

One key difference between "in accordance" and "in accordance with" lies in their grammatical structure. "In accordance" is often followed by a noun or pronoun, while "in accordance with" is followed by a noun phrase or clause. This distinction is important to keep in mind when choosing which phrase to use in a sentence.

Examples

Here are a few examples to illustrate the difference between "in accordance" and "in accordance with":

• "The team worked in accordance with the new guidelines." (using "in accordance with" to specify the guidelines)
• "The results were in accordance with our expectations." (using "in accordance" to show agreement)

Clarity

Using the correct preposition can help improve the clarity and precision of your writing. By understanding the nuances between "in accordance" and "in accordance with," you can ensure that your message is conveyed accurately and effectively. It is important to pay attention to the context in which each phrase is used to avoid any confusion or ambiguity.

Formality

Another factor to consider when choosing between "in accordance" and "in accordance with" is the level of formality you wish to convey. "In accordance with" is often seen as more formal and precise, making it suitable for professional or academic writing. On the other hand, "in accordance" may be used in more casual or everyday language.

Conclusion

While both "in accordance" and "in accordance with" convey a sense of agreement or conformity, they are used in slightly different contexts and have distinct grammatical structures. By understanding the nuances between these two phrases, you can improve the clarity and precision of your writing. Whether you are writing a formal report or a casual email, choosing the right preposition can make a significant difference in how your message is perceived.